GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Vladimir Artamonov, a Harvard Business School alum, is facing the music for an alleged Ponzi scheme that fleeced classmates and investors out of millions. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia, have announced charges against Artamonov, who was arrested in Elkridge, Maryland.
According to authorities, Artamonov duped his victims with promises of a ‘low-risk, high-return’ investment strategy through ‘Project Information Arbitrage’. The reality was a far cry from the hype; he traded risky options and concealed losses, while paying off previous investors with new funds. Less than $400,000 was returned to investors, who are now left in the lurch.
“Artamonov betrayed friends and former classmates by gambling away their money,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said. “We will protect investment markets from such schemes that disguise theft as sophistication.”
The FBI’s Christopher G. Raia echoed, “The defendant exploited Harvard’s prestige for personal gain, using investors’ trust to enrich himself. The FBI stands firm against those who betray the public trust in this manner.”
Artamonov was accused of raising over $4 million from investors between 2021 and 2024, using Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s reputation as a lure. Instead of the promised information arbitrage strategy, he invested in risky options, leading to massive losses.
The case is now assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon, and Artamonov will face justice before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas R. Miller in Maryland.
Related Federal Cases
- AG James Joins Multistate Push Against Harvard Funding Freeze · Washington
- Kevin B. Merrill Pleads Guilty to $550M Ponzi Scheme · Washington
- AG Shapiro Fights to Reclaim Millions for Ponzi Scheme Victims · Washington
- Harvard MBA Accused of $4M Ponzi Scheme · Maryland
- James Leads Coalition Against Extremist SAVE America Act · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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